OEMs serve as an important source for sales of equipment from Kodak''s Health Imaging Group. For example, when Siemens sells a CT or an MRI unit to a customer, the customer may also want to purchase a laser imaging or computed radiography system, which Siemens does not manufacture. Siemens would then order the system from Kodak to meet the customer''s specific requirements and fulfil the order.

"Kodak is an ideal company for Siemens to continue an OEM relationship with, and both organisations share a firm commitment to helping customers achieve tangible, sustainable clinical and financial outcomes," says Karin Finger, head of the Special Product Accessories Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Siemens is one of the largest suppliers of healthcare equipment in the world. We are looking forward to including the latest medical imaging products from Kodak in our broad range of offerings to customers, and looking ahead, we see great opportunities for both Siemens and Kodak."

Siemens has already begun selling Kodak medical imaging products in the US, Western Europe and India, with worldwide coverage to be in place by the end of 2003.

Kodak''s Health Imaging Group (www.kodak.com/go/health) is a world leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing intelligent imaging products from analogue to digital. Its portfolio includes computed radiography and digital radiography systems, laser imagers, picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems, dental imaging and services, and traditional mammography and x-ray film systems.

The group, with annual revenues of $2.3 billion, has served the global health care community for more than 100 years. The Health Imaging Group is the second-largest business within Kodak, which had sales last year of $13.2 billion.

Kodak India Ltd, a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak, was the first photographic company to set up operations in India in 1913. The Health Imaging Division commenced operations in India in early nineties. Since then the business has grown manifold from a mere Rs 1 crore in 1992 to Rs 100 crore in 2002.

Kodak Health Imaging in India has a comprehensive portfolio of image information products, services, applications and integrated systems, including the latest in x-ray films, laser films and medical laser printers for CT and MRI.

Siemens Medical Solutions (Med) is one of the largest suppliers of healthcare equipment in the world. Med is renowned for its innovative products, services and complete solutions, ranging from imaging systems for diagnosis and therapy equipment for treatment, to electromedicine and hearing instruments to IT solutions that optimise workflow and increase efficiency in hospitals, clinics and doctors'' offices.

Siemens also offers a variety of data management solutions for customers and is currently the largest application service provider. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide, in fiscal 2002 (30 September), Med reported sales of euro 7.6 billion, orders of euro 8.4 billion and group profit of euro 1 billion.